Leadership & Character | Taylors, SC

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Taylors, SC on November 12, 2018 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Character is what you really are. Reputation is what people say you are. Reputation is often based on character – but not always.” -John Wooden

• The stories shared were personal and insightful about a time when great character and leadership were exhibited. We quickly acknowledged that leadership and character do not discriminate, they affect individuals across all socioeconomic classes and in all leadership roles.
• Throughout the duration of our time together, we discussed the importance of our motto Pro-Humanitate that we are living for humanity. We acknowledged that character is revealed in strengths of an individual; what someone is able to give or do to help another. Like sharing resources when someone else comes up short or calming a hurt child after a terrible accident. In these instances people do not think, they just do.
• With good deeds comes the idea of empowerment, we discussed the joy and satisfaction often attached to giving.
• We pondered questions such as
  • Is character instinctual?
  • What is the connection between leadership and character and can there be one without the other?
  • Can we teach leadership and character?
• The notion of character as learned behavior. Character can be easily judged by how someone treats others as a person or an object.
• A major theme throughout the conversation was purpose. Leadership must be purposeful, as in the purpose of leadership must be driven by character building.
• A final thought was on paying it forward, everyone at dinner spoke of time when they were touched by someone of strong character and now we can think about how we can pay it forward. We concluded that accountability is a necessity for positive growth in character and leadership. We must pay it forward by supporting one another. Accountability challenges us to refine our character each day and build a supportive team. Find someone who needs accountability and provide encouragement to them.